Contemporary Powwows 2005 2006

Powwows in Contemporary Society: 

Powwows in Contemporary Society

What roles do powwow fulfill for native people today? : 

What roles do powwow fulfill for native people today? A way of paying respect to the past and our ancestors by: Using songs that have been used for generations Wearing clothing, jewelry, beadwork or other items once worn by a relative Wearing and using designs or colors that our ancestors wore Dancing the same style as a relative once did Gathering of families from the same tribe together Bringing different tribes together as was done in the past

What roles do powwow fulfill for native people today?: 

What roles do powwow fulfill for native people today? A celebration of Indian/tribal culture by: Bringing together families and tribes to share songs, dances, food, and friendship Sharing the culture with non-native people Providing an opportunity to earn an income selling jewelry, beadwork, pottery, or other handmade items.

What roles do powwow fulfill for native people today?: 

What roles do powwow fulfill for native people today? A way of maintaining our culture through: Gathering native people together as was done in the past Practicing traditions like giveaways, honor songs, or traditional games Using the traditional languages during prayers and songs Dances that have been done for years, although they may have been modified over time Beadwork that is based on older traditional designs Regalia that is based on older traditional designs Feasts and traditional foods Providing an opportunity to be in a mostly Indian setting so that cultural practices can be learned and maintained.

How do powwows vary?: 

How do powwows vary? Different types of powwows: Traditional – No dance or drum competition, exhibition dancing in each dance category is usually done. They can be held annually by a tribe, college, or group as a social event or can be held as a memorial, for fundraising or to mark a political or historical event. For example: LCO holds the Honor the Earth Powwow in the third week in July to celebrate the anniversary of the Winter Dam victory. Competition – Drum and dance competitions in each dance category are held for prize money. These powwows are normally sponsored by a tribe or tribally owned casino.

How do powwows vary?: 

How do powwows vary? Regional differences: Northern – The host drum is usually from a northern tribe. Social dances use the steps as they are done by northern tribes. Grand entries are usually done at 1 and 7:00 p.m. Southern – The host drum is usually from a southern tribe. Social dances use the steps as they are done by southern tribes. Gourd dances (a series of dances done by male veterans using gourd rattles) are done after the blessing of the powwow grounds and before Grand Entry begins. Grand Entry can began as late as 7p.m. each night.

How do powwows vary?: 

How do powwows vary? Regional differences: California- A blend of Northern and Southern ways. Usually there is both a Northern and a Southern Host Drum and the head staff is divided evenly between northern and southern tribes. Short sessions of Gourd dancing are often held before the 1:00 p.m. Grand Entry on Saturday and Sunday. Traditional dance categories are broken into Southern and Northern styles since there is a difference in the way the dances are done. California has a large population of native people from hundreds of tribes and it can be difficult to accommodate the varying and sometimes clashing cultures, but there is an air of understanding and cooperation which eases any difficulties in the blending of so many different tribal ways.

How are powwows changing or staying the same?: 

How are powwows changing or staying the same? Songs New songs are made using native language, vocables, or English or a mix of the three elements. Old songs are still sung using native languages and/or vocables.

How are powwows changing or staying the same?: 

How are powwows changing or staying the same? Dance Steps are becoming more athletic in the Grass and Fancy Dance categories for men and in the Fancy Shawl category for women. Return to older and more modest steps in categories like Traditional and Grass for men and Jingle and Fancy Shawl for women. Creation of contemporary categories for some dance styles like Jingle Dance.

How are powwows changing or staying the same?: 

How are powwows changing or staying the same? Outfits Outfits are made of brighter, flashier fabrics Beadwork is blended with mirrors and rhinestones Some dancers are returning to older styles of outfits. There is a resurgence of older style jingle and traditional dresses for women.

How are powwows changing or staying the same?: 

How are powwows changing or staying the same? Princess/Brave Contests A competition held for youth. Judging varies from powwow to powwow and the contestants are sometimes judged on public speaking ability, ability to speak their tribal language, demonstrate tribal dances or crafts, their outfits, and their dance skills. The youths serve as ambassadors for their tribe or a specific powwow committee and they attend powwows throughout Indian Country.

What is the future of powwows?: 

What is the future of powwows? Will continue to adapt and change as new songs and outfit styles are adopted Traditional format of powwows will be retained – Grand Entry, Flag Song, Veterans Song, intertribal, honor and social dances, giveaways and feasts will continue to be done. May continue to see a return to older dances, songs, and outfits as elders continue to share tribal history and the younger generations begin or continue the old ways.